Panthers transfer sparks Mustangs

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Junior Brian Cobb credits two people with having a significant impact on his development as a player — his two younger brothers Mitchell and Curtis.

After all, if it weren’t for his brothers, the Lakewood Ranch forward wouldn’t get the opportunity to show off his ball-handling skills or perfect his jump shot.

“It definitely does help playing against them,” Cobb said. “It would be a lot harder if I was by myself and had nobody to do it with me.”

So after spending a year playing basketball at Bradenton Christian School, Cobb transferred to Lakewood, so he could play basketball with Mitchell, a sophomore, who plays on the Mustangs’ JV team.

“We have a really good chemistry on the court,” Cobb said. “He sort of knows where I’m at on the court and he can get the ball to me in a tight spot.”

In his first season with the Mustangs, Cobb has helped propel Lakewood to a 2-1 record while averaging 24 points and 14 rebounds per game.

“I just want to try and win as many games as possible and compete 100% of the time while having a good time doing it,” Cobb said.

Cobb began playing basketball when he was 4 years old after his parents enrolled him in youth league at the recreation center.

“I just have a love of the game,” Cobb said. “I have fun playing, and I love winning. Winning just gives you a great feeling. Nothing beats that really.”

He joined the Suncoast Explosion in the seventh grade. This past summer, Cobb, along with Mitchell, helped lead the Suncoast Explosion to a Top 25-finish in the national tournament.

“That was pretty big,” Cobb said. “There was really fierce competition, so to be considered in the top 25 nationally is a really big achievement.”

While at Bradenton Christian, Cobb led the Panthers into the regional finals.

It was there that Cobb also learned the importance of hard work and staying on top of your game.

“(Coach Dave Magley) taught me to always go as hard as you can because there is always someone practicing somewhere,” Cobb said. “You need to work harder to beat them and you have to run hard on every play.”

Now, Cobb is taking a break from his AAU team to focus on the high school season, which includes learning to play with a whole new set of teammates. And although Cobb admits there are times when he misses playing with the Panthers, he is enjoying playing with a whole new set of teammates.

“I miss it some, but I like my team now,” Cobb said. “I’m really cool with all of the guys. Change is tough for some people, but I think I’ve adjusted pretty well.”

Eventually, Cobb hopes to play college basketball, but he hasn’t determined where just yet. In the meantime, Cobb plans to spend the rest of the season improving his game, primarily his free throw shooting, and hopefully helping lead the Mustangs to a district championship and a berth in the playoffs.

“I need to make my game the best it can be,” Cobb said. “That means you don’t take days off. Taking days off can hurt you in the long run.”

Contact Jen Blanco at [email protected].